Journalist Hugh Keevins believes Celtic are already eyeing up Neil Lennon’s permanent replacement despite the club stating John Kennedy will see out the season as caretaker manager.
Lennon left the club last week after his second tenure in charge of the Bhoys had hit a turbulent time with results not going their way as they watched their city rivals all-but deny them of a 10th-straight Scottish Premiership title.
While speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Keevins claimed Celtic have already made an official approach for former Bournemouth manager, Eddie Howe.
He said: “I do offer this to you purely as speculation, but I do understand that Eddie Howe has been spoken to by Celtic but is also being spoken to by other clubs in England.”
The 43-year-old manager has been out of work since his eight-year stint at Bournemouth came to an end last year after the Cherries were relegated back to the Championship.
Is Eddie Howe the right man for Celtic?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts on Eddie Howe potentially becoming Celtic manager…
We have seen with Steven Gerrard that there is room for success with young managers in the Scottish Premiership, however, Howe holds an awful lot more experience over Gerrard, which would make for an interesting title race next season.
It seems the biggest hurdle for Celtic if they are to pursue Howe is the apparent competition coming from other English clubs. Crystal Palace have been linked with the former Bournemouth manager, as reported by The Sunday Mirror (21/02, page 72), which could prove tempting with what would be a potential Premier League return for Howe.
It would certainly set up an interesting prospect ahead of the 2021/22 season.